Variable data print control and interlock means in printing machines



May 30, 1967 J. A. MAUL 3,322,062

VARIABLE DATA PRINT CONTROL AND INTERLOCK MEANS IN PRINTING MACHINESFiled Aug. 12, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Jon/v A.MAUL BY ATTORNEY.

, 1967 J A. MAUL VARIABLE DATA PRINT CONTROL AND INTERLOCK MEANS INPRINTING MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. JOHN A. MA UL AT TORNEX May30 Filed Aug. 12, 1965 -May 30, 1967 -J. A. MAUL VARIABLE DATA PRINTCONTROL AND INTEHLOGK MEANS IN PRINTING MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet FiledAug. 12, 1965 men an:

mm 1 NA A W J ATTORNEX United States Patent 3,322,062 VARIABLE DATAPRINT CONTROL AND INTER- LOCK MEANS IN PRINTING MACHINES John A. Maul,Lyndhurst, Ohio, assignor to Addressegraph-Multigraph Corporation,Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 12, 1965, Ser. No.479,156 5 Claims. (Cl. 101-45) This invention relates to printingmachines and particularly to manually operated printing machines of thekind in which variable data are imprinted from individually settableprinting devices mounted within the machine. More specifically, theinvention relates to a new and improved signalling apparatus forsignalling the machine operator that a new data setting operation isrequired following completion of a given printing operation; in itspreferred form, the signalling device of the invention provides apositive interlock preventing a further printing operation until suchtime as the machine has been reset for printing different data than in aprevious printing sequence.

In retail credit systems of various kinds, such as those used inautomotive service stations, large department stores, and the like,fixed data identifying each customer is imprinted upon appropriate salesforms, from a printing device retained in the possession of thecustomer, in the course of each transaction. Many of the printingmachines utilized for applications of this nature also includes variabledata imprinting apparatus for imprinting the same sales form withvariable data indicating the amount of the sale. A preferred form ofprinting machine of this general kind is described and claimed in PatentNo. 3,138,091 of John A. Maul, issued June 23, 1964. The signallingdevice of the present invention is described herein as applied to aprinting machine of the kind shown in the aforesaid patent to Maul No.3,138,- 091; it should be understood that the invention is equallyapplicable to other comparable printing machines capa ble of imprintingvariable data relating to sales transactions and like applications.

In the course of operation of variable data imprinting machines incredit sales systems and similar applications, the machine operator isfrequently in a hurry and subject to numerous distractions.Consequently, the operator may forget to reset the individual typedevices or equivalent apparatus of the printing machine, with the resultthat the variable data pertaining to one sales transaction is printed ona sales form or other document pertaining to a second and whollydifferent transaction. It will be recognized that this kind of error ishighly undesirable. Thus, the need for a protective signalling device,cautioning the operator that the variable data imprinting apparatus ofthe machine should be reset for a current transaction, is readilyapparent.

In somewhat similar printing apparatus known in the prior art, provisionhas been made for automatically resetting the variable data imprintingapparatus to zero following each complete printing cycle. Some machinesof this kind have also provided means to prevent a subsequent printingoperation until at least a part of the variable data imprintingapparatus is reset for new data for a subsequent transaction. In otherprior art signalling or interlocking devices, the complete variableimprinting apparatus must be reset manually to zero before a secondprinting operation can take place. The manual reset to zero, however,imposes an additional burden on the already limited time of the machineoperator that is quite undesirable. Moreover, and particularly withrespect to automatic reset systems, the previously known apparatus hasbeen generally cumbersome and expenice sive, highly undesirablecharacteristics in view of the fact that each sales station in thecredit sales system must be equipped with a complete printing machineand the cost of these machines may be a quite significant factordetermining whether to overall system is economically practical.

It is a principal object of the present invention, therefore, to providea new and improved reset signal device for a variable data printingmachine of the manually settable, manually operable type adapted for usein credit sales systems and in similar applications. It is a relatedobject of the invention to provide a simple and inexpensive positivesignalling device that also affords a direct interlock in the variableimprinting apparatus that prevents initiation of a new printingoperation until at least some porton of the variable data printingapparatus is reset in accordance with a new transaction.

Another object of the invention is to provide fully automatic resetsignalling, and preferably interlocking, in a manually operable variabledata recorder without necessitating resetting of the variable datarecording apparatus to zero -or to any other home position, while at thesame time affording a positive indication that the data recorder must bereset in accordance with a new transaction prior to initiation of eachrecording operatron.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an over-centermechanism, in a signalling or interlocking system for preventingrepetitive operation of a variable data recorder without resetting ofthe data recording apparatus, which over-center mechanism effectivelyreduces wear on the operating components of the reset signallingapparatus and the data recorder itself but inherently affords a positivesignalling action.

An additional object of the invention is to afford a simple, economical,yet virtually foolproof signalling or interlocking apparatus for avariable data recorder of the manually operated kind suitable for use inretail I credit sales systems and like applications.

Thus, the present invention is incorporated in a variable data printingmachine of the kind comprising a plurality of individual type deviceseach settable to a plurality of different positions to present differenttype characters at a printing position and each including a plurality ofspaced index elements aligned with similar index elements of theremaining type devices whenever said type devices are set for a printingoperation. The printing machine further comprises imprinting meansmovable along a predetermined path in an imprinting motion to imprint arecording sheet engaging the aforesaid type characters. A resetsignalling device constructed in accordance with the invention comprisesa print sensing element interposed in the path of the imprinting meansand displaceable from an initial position to a second position each timethe imprinting means moves through its imprinting motion. A type setsensing element engages the index elements and is displaced from a firstposition to a second position Whenever one of the type devices is set toa different type setting. An over-center, bi-stable signalling device isconnected to both of the sensing elements and is moved back and forthbetween two stable positions. Displacement of the print sensing elementto its second position results in actuation of the signalling device toa first stable position indicating that a printing operation should notproceed until the type devices have been reset, and also resets the typeset sensing element to the initial position previously described.Displacement of the type set sensing element to its second positionresults in actuation of the signalling device to a second stableposition indicating that the printing operation may proceed, and alsoresets the print sensing element to its first position.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description and claims and are illustrated in theaccompanying'drawings which, by way of illustration, show preferredembodiments of the present invention and the principles thereof and whatis now considered to be the best mode contemplated for applying theseprinciples. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same orequivalent principles may be made as desired by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the present invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a variable data recording machineequipped with a signalling and interlocking device constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the variable data recording mechanism ofthe machine of FIG. 1, showing the signalling and interlocking system ofthe present invention taken approximately along line 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the signallingand interlocking device of the present invention in a ditferentoperating position;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the variable data recording apparatus and thereset signalling and interlocking device of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a part of the variable data imprintingmechanism taken approximately along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a detail perspective view of the interlocking mechanism and apart of the variable data recording apparatus; and

FIG. 7 is a simplified elevation view, similar to FIG. 2, of anotherform of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a printing machine 31 of the kind described in theaforementioned patent of John A. Maul, No. 3,138,091, equipped with areset signal and interlocking device constructed in accordance with thepresent invention. The printing or data recording machine 31 comprises abase 32 and a printing head 33. The printing head 33 is pivotallymounted upon the base 32 for movement into and out of printing positionrelative to the base. In FIG. 1, the printing machine 31 is shown withits printing head 33 pivoted clear of the base 32 to permit insertion ofa sales transaction form or other data recording sheet in the machine.For a printing operation, the printing head 33 is pivoted in acounterclockwise direction from the position shown to bring the printinghead down onto the base in alignment with the printing devices supportedon the base, as described more fully hereinafter.

The base 32 of the printing machine 31 is provided with a top cover 37attached to a suitable rigid frame (not shown). The frame of theprinting base also supports a form-mounting fixture 41. A printingstation, indicated generally by the reference numeral 44, is located inthe top central portion of the machine base 32. The printing station 44is bounded by appropriate bracket and gauge members 46, 47, 48 and 49,each mounted upon the formmounting fixture by appropriate means such ascap screws or other suitable fastening devices; The members 46, 47, 48and 49 engage the edges of a form to be printed (not shown in thedrawings), to retain the form in predetermined position at the printingstation 44 of the machine.

The form-mounting fixture 41 may also be provided with a gauge member 51having a pair of arms that extend toward two corner mounts 52 and 53which project upwardly from the fixture 41. Thus, a small individualprinting plate or similar printing device 54 may be retained in positionbetween the ends of the arms of gauge 51 and the corner mounts 52, 53 tohold the printing device in fixed position in the printing station 44 ofthe machine.

The printing machine 31 may also provide means for.

mounting a second printing device 61 at the printing station 44. Theprinting plate 61 may be retained semipermanently in the machine, andmay comprise an em- 4 bossed or relief printing plate identifying thecompany making the same or an individual station within an overallcredit sales system. A dating device 62 may be mounted at the printingstation 44 immediately adjacent the semi-permanent printing plate 61.

The variable data imprinting apparatus in the machine 31 comprises aseries of individual manually settable type devices comprising aplurality of individual type wheels 63 mounted on the base 32 of themachine at the righthand edge of the printing station 44. Each of thetype wheels 63 has a plurality of printing elements spaced about theperiphery thereof; these printing elements may include both a numericalcharacter and a corresponding code character where the sales or otherrecord forms imprinted in the machine are subsequently to be read andinterpreted by mechanized accounting apparatus. Each of the type wheels63 is independently rotatable to position a p-re-selected numeral orother type character for printing at the printing station 44.

Setting of the variable data in the printing machine 31 is accomplishedby rotary setting of the type wheels 63. The means for setting the typewheels includes a control panel 64 and a plurality of keys 66 that areslidable within longitudinally extending slots 67 in the control panel.Each key 66 is operatively connected to a corresponding one of the typewheels 63 by a rack and pinion mechanism as described in greater detailin relation to FIGS. 24. The control panel 64 may be inscribed withappropriate reference characters alongside each of the slots 67 so thatthe desired numeral on any type wheel can be selected by positioning theconnected key 66 opposite the intended numeral in the control panel. Ifdesired, separate indicator means may be utilized to aiford a directindication of the numbers set on the type wheels at the openings 69immediately above the control panel 64 in the machine. a

The printing head 33 of the variable data recorder 31 comprises anexterior frame including a pair of side members 79 and 81 connectedtogether by a U-shaped channel member 82. The two side members 79 and 81are pivotally mounted upon the base of the machine as indicated byreference'numeral 83.

The printing head 33 carries a platen that moves transversely across theprinting station 44 to imprint all of the data from the type wheels 63and the other printing devices at the printing station upon anappropriate record form interposed between the printing head and theprinting devices. The platen preferably comprises a roller platen 86 ofthe porous ink-impregnated type. The roller platen 86 is rotatablymounted between the lower ends of the depending arms of a yoke 87 thatis movable along the greater portion of the length of the channel member82 constituting the frame of the printing head. The yoke 87 is connectedto a housing 88 of a handle assembly that includes an upwardlyprojecting handle 89. The lower portion of the printing head 33 may beprovided with a V flexible mask 98 formed with appropriate openings corresponding to the printing elements on the base of the machine,including the printing devices 54 and 61, the dater 62, and the typewheels 63. The printing head may also be provided with appropriate meansfor latching the head in its lowered or printing position, asrepresented by the latch members 99, if desired.

The construction of the variable data imprinting apparatus of theprinting machine 31 is shown in detail in FIGS. 2-5. With reference toFIG. 4, it is seen that the coded type wheels 63 are five in number,63-1 through 63-5, and are disposed between two fixed frame plates 126and 127. The frame plates are maintained in fixed spaced relation by aplurality of spacer rods 128. The type wheels are each rotatably mountedupon a shaft 129. The opposite ends of the shaft 129 are supported inthe frame plates 126 and 127. The frame plate 127 is provided with aseries of individual flange members 138 that are utilized to mount thevariable imprinting apparatus frame in the base of the printing machine.In FIG. 4, the lugs or flange members 138 have been cut away to showparts of the reset signalling apparatus of the present invention, asdescribed more fully hereinafter.

Each of the coded type wheels 63 is provided with an integrally moldedpinion gear that is smaller in diameter than the type wheel. One suchgear 135-5 is seen in the elevation views comprising FIGS. 2 and 3. Eachof the remaining type wheels is provided with a pinion gear like thegear 135-5.

The variable data recording apparatus further includes five individualrack members, 151-1 through 151-5, that are aligned with the gapsbetween the code wheels 63-1 through 63-5, as shown in FIG. 4. Each ofthe rack members 151-1 through 151-5 is provided with a plurality ofgear teeth 150 formed on the upper edge thereof and engageable with thepinion gear of a respective code wheel. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, thegear teeth 150 on the rack member 151-5 mesh with the teeth of thepinion gear 135-5 on the coded type wheel 63-5. The individual rackmembers 151 are provided with longitudinally extending guide slots 152which co-act with a guide pin 153 mounted between the frame members 126and 127 (FIGS. 2 and 4) to maintain the rack members in alignment. Theleft-hand end of each rack member 151, as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 4, isprovided with a generally T-shaped lug 154 affording a convenient meansto connect each rack member to one of the tabulator keys 66 (FIG. 1).

Each of the type wheels 63 has ten printing elements 170 formed on flatsurfaces on the outer periphery thereof (FIGS. 2 and 3). Each of thefiat printing surfaces 170 is spaced from the immediately adjacentprinting element fiats by a V-shaped detent-receiving recess 156extending radially inwardly of the type wheel. As noted above, each ofthe flat printing elements may include a relief numerical character and,if desired, a corresponding code character. 'Ihe uppermost printingelement of each code wheel, as viewed in FIG. 2, bears the data to beimprinted upon a record sheet during the printing operation. That is,the uppermost type element is at printing position. By individuallyrotating the separate code wheels, using the racks 151, adjustedlongitudinally by means of the tabulator keys 66, a series of typecharacters may be set at the printing station for printing a monetaryamount or other variable data pertaining to a transaction.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a bail bar member 201 is mounted between theframe plates 126 and 127, and the mounting arrangement for the bail barmember 201 comprises two pairs of links 202 and 203. The links 203 areeach pivotally mounted on a shaft 206 extending transversely of theframe 126, 127 and the links 202 are pivotally mounted on a similarshaft 204. The bail bar member 201 has a generally V-shaped nose portion207 engageable with the recesses 156 in the code wheel 63. In itsengaged position, as shown in FIG. 5, the nose portion 207 of the bailbar accurately aligns the type wheels at the printing position. A pairof coil springs 208 are incorporated in the alignment mechanismcomprising the bail bar 201; each of the coil springs 208 has one endseated upon the bail bar member 201 and the other end engaged with aplate 209 extending between the frame members 126 and 127. The springs208 bias the bail bar 201 toward the position illustrated in FIGS. 4 and5 in which the nose portion 207 of the bail bar engages in the recesses156 in the type wheels to give a positive and accurate alignment of thecode wheels.

Cam and lever means are incorporated in the bail bar mechanism of theprinting machine for moving the bail bar 201 to a retracted positionpermitting free rotation of the type wheels whenever the printing headof the machine is in the upper or non-printing position illustrated inFIG. 1. This cam and lever means comprises a cam 221 that rotates inresponse to pivotal movement of the printing head of the machine. Alsoincluded is a lever 212 that is pivotally mounted between the frameplates 126 and 127, the lower end of the lever 212 being engageable withthe bail bar 201. Upon pivotal movement of the printing head to itsraised position, cam 221 is rotated into engagement with the upper endof the lever 212 and pivots the lever in a counterclockwise direction toretract the bail bar 201 and thus retract the nose portion 207 of thebail bar from the type wheel recesses 156. When the printing head isreturned to its printing position, the springs 208 again cause the bailbar to engage the type wheels.

The variable data imprinting apparatus of the printing machine furtherincludes a pre-alignment bail member 250 that is pivotally mounted uponthe spacer rod 128A immediately below the code wheels 63. The bailmember 250 is generally channel-shaped and is provided with an upwardlyextending bail or nose portion 252 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). This noseportion 252 of the bail member 250 extends across all of the rackmembers 151 and is aligned with a series of index elements, comprisingthe notches 253, formed in the lower surface of each of the rackmembers. On each rack member there is one index element 253 for eachprinting element on the type wheel 63 with which the rack member isassociated. Suitable spring means such as a spring 254 is provided tobias the bail member 250 into engagement with the rack members.

The end of the bail member 250 opposite the nose portion 252 terminatesin a cam follower portion 255. Each of the two links 202 is providedwith an extension portion 256, between which a cam member 257 is mountedin position to engage the cam follower portion 255 of the bail member250. Each time the links 202 are rotated in response to pivotal movementof the printing head of the machine, as described above, elevating theprinting head away from the base of the printing machine, the cam member257 raises and engages the cam follower portion 255 of the pro-alignmentbail 250', rotating the bail counterclockwise about its pivot 128A anddisengaging the bail bar portion 252 of the bail 250 from the rackmembers 151. This releases the rack members, leaving them free forlongitudinal movement to set a new monetary amount (or other variabledata) in the variable data printing apparatus.

The basic construction of the printing machine 31, as thus fardescribed, is essentially similar to that set forth in the aboveidentified Patent No. 3,138,091 to I. A. Maul; accordingly, only a briefreview of the operation of the printing machine is necessary here. Whenthe printing machine 31 is to be used, as in recording a salestransaction, the customers credit plate or other similar personalprinting device 54 is mounted in the machine as shown in FIG. 1. It maybe assumed that the dater 62 has previously been set for the date uponwhich the transaction occurs. The machine operator then sets themonetary amount of the sale, or other variable data pertaining to thetransaction, in the printing machine. This is accomplished by settingthe individual keys 66 to the various numerical values or otherrepresentations requisite to delineation of the data entailed. Inadjusting the keys 66, the machine operator sets each of the individualsettable type devices (each comprising a key 66, a rack 151, a gear 135,and a type wheel 63) to a particular position that presents a desiredtype character at the printing position immediately adjacent theprinting device 54 (FIG. 1).

With the variable data apparatus of the printing machine thus set, asuitable recording form is placed in the printing machine and theprinting head 33 is pivoted counterclockwise to printing position. Theroller platen 86 is then moved transversely of the machine and makes thedesired imprint from all of the printing devices of the machine,including the personal printing plate 54, the semi-permanent plate 61,the dater 62, and the type wheel 63.

At the conclusion of the complete imprinting motion, comprising thelowering of the printing head 33 and the transverse movement of theplaten 86, the printing head is again pivoted to its inactive positionas shown in FIG. 1 and the printed form is removed from the machine. Fora subsequent transaction, the operator removes the printing device 54 ifa new customer is involved, replaces it with another printing device,sets the individual type devices comprising the type wheels 63,utilizing the keys 66, to reflect the new transaction, and againproceeds with an imprinting cycle on a record sheet as described above.

Each time the printing head 33 of the machine is moved to its inactiveposition as shown in FIG. 1, the

bail 250 prevents free adjustment of the individual type 7 devicescomprising the type wheels 63 when the imprinting means of the machine,constituting the print head 33, is in its inactive or non-printingposition.

Each time the print head 33 begins its imprinting motion, the bail bar201 is released and returns, under the bias of the springs 208, towardengagement with the type wheels 63; Before the bail bar engages the typewheels, the resulting pivotal movement of the links 202 releases thepre-alignment bail 250 so that the nose portion 252 of that bail movesinto engagement with the index elements of the rack members 151 andestablishes an initial and approximately accurate alignment of thesettable type devices. Thereafter, the nose portion 207 of the precisionalignment bail 201 engages the type wheels and completes the alignmentoperation.

The printing machine 31 is provided with an alignment safety device 270that is connected to the individual settable type devices comprising thetype wheels 63 and that prevents an imprinting operation unless all ofthe type wheels 63 are accurately aligned at printing position. Thisalignment safety device, as best illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and 6,comprises an extension member 203A for one of the links 203 upon whichthe precision alignment bail 201 is mounted. The extension member orlever 203A projects downwardly, then upwardly outside of the framemember 127 and terminates in a lug 271 located near the top of the framemember 127.

The lug 271 has an opening which receives one end of a draw link 272.The other end of the draw link 272 is pivotally connected to a crank273, the crank 273 being pivotally mounted upon the printing machine asindicated by reference numeral 274 (FIG. 6). The free arm of the crank273 terminates in a projecting stop lug 275 that extends upwardly fromthe crank arm. The connection between the draw link 272 and the lug 271on lever 203A is not a rigid one. Rather, a compression spring 276affords a resilient connection between these two members.

The operation of the alignment safety device 270 is effective to preventa printing operation whenever any of the type wheels 63 is notaccurately aligned in the desired printing position Thus, if the typewheels hang up without being precisely aligned, the nose 207 of the bailmember 201 cannot advance completely into the notch 156 in any typeWheel that has not reached almost the desired precise rotationalalignment. Under these circumstances, the bail member 201 cannot advancecompletely to the left to the position shown in FIG. 5, but is blockedat a position somewhat to the right of that shown. Accordingly, the onelink 203 and the extension lever 203A connected thereto are held at aposition to the right of that illustrated in FIG. 2. As a consequence,the connection from the lever 203A to the crank 273 provided by the drawlink 272 holds the crank in the position illustrated in FIG. 6 with thestop lug 275 positioned to interfere with lowering of the printing headto printing position. That is, the lug 275 on the crank 273 is held in aposition where it engages the lower edge of the side frame member 81 ofthe printing head (see FIG. 1) and prevents the printing head frommoving downwardly to a position where a printing operation may becompleted.

In normal operation, all of the type wheels are accurately aligned asthe bail member 201 slides home to the position illustrated in FIG. 5,the nose of the bail seats, and the link 203 moves to the leftward limitof its travel.

The corresponding movement of the lever 203A attached to the link 203drives the draw link 272 forwardly, pivoting the crank 273 in acounterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 6 to a point where it isclear of the printing head and does not interfere with a printingoperation. Accordingly, when all type characters are accurately alignedat the printing position, the alignment safety device 270 permits a fullimprinting motion on the part of the imprinting means comprising theprinting head 33. That motion is prevented only under unusualcircumstances when one or more of the type wheels hangs up out ofalignment.

The present invention comprises a reset signalling de vice 300, thepreferred embodiment of which is best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.The reset signalling device 300 comprises a first or over-center lever301 that is pivotally mounted on the frame member 127 as indicated byreference numeral 302. The lever 301 has a first elongated arm 303 ofC-shaped configuration projecting to the left of the pivotal mounting302. At the end of the arm 303, a type set sensing element or bail 304is mounted on the arm 303. The sensing element 304 projects across thevariable imprinting assembly underneath all of the rack members 151andis engageable with the index elements on the rack members. Thisrelationship is best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4.

The other end of the lever 301 comprises an arm 305 that terminates in anotch 306. The notch 306 is engaged by one end of an over-center leafspring 307 mounted in a retainer plate 308 afiixed to the frame member127.

The arm 305 of the lever 301 is provided with an outwardly projectinglug 309. The outer end of the lug 309 supports a print sensing elementcomprising a rod 311. A loose rockable mounting is used to support therod 311 on the lug 309. The sensing element, rod 311, projects upwardlythrough the frame 312 of the machine base and into the path of movementof the side plate 81 on the printing head 33, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The reset signalling device 300 further includes a second lever 314 thatis pivotally mounted upon the frame plate 127 as indicated by referencenumeral 315 (FIGS. 24). An intermediate point on the lever 314 isengageable with a pin 316 that is fixedly mounted upon the overcenterlever 301. A spring 317, connected at one end to a pin 318 mounted uponthe frame member 127 and at the other end to a pin 319 mounted on thelever 314, biases the lever 314 in a counterclockwise direction towardengagement with the pin 316. V

The free end of the lever 314 carries an upwardly projecting rod 321constituting a stop member. As in the case of the sensing rod 311, theconnection between the rod 321 and the lever 314 preferably permits somerocking motion between the two. The stop member, rod 321, extendsupwardly through the base frame member 312 at a location inwardly of thestop lug 275 on the alignment safety crank 273, as best shown in FIG. 6.

In considering operation of the signalling device 300, it may be notedthat the device has two stable operating conditions; the first stableoperating condition is illustrated in FIG. 2, and the second stableoperating condition is illustrated in FIG. 3. Moreover, these two stableoperating conditions are determined by the operating positions of theover-center lever 301, sometimes referred to hereinafter as thesignalling member of the device.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is seen that with the signalling device 360 inits first stable operating condition, the signalling lever 301 is nearthe clockwise limit of its rotational travel, being held in stableposition by the spring clip 307 and the engagement of bail 304 with theindex elements 253. The signalling lever 301 has been driven to thisposition by downward movement of the print sensing element 311, which inturn has been driven downwardly by engagement with the side plate 81 ofthe printing head 33 in a previous printing operation (see FIG. '1). Thedownward position of sensing element 311, as shown in FIG. 2, isreferred to hereinafter and in the claims as the second operatingposition for this sensing element. The type set sensing elementcomprising the bail 304 is in an initial position, at the uppermostlimit of its travel, engaged with the indexing element 253 of the typesetting racks 151.

With the device 300 in this first stable condition, FIG. 2, the spring317 holds the lever 314 at the clockwise limit of its travel and this inturn maintains the stop member 321 up above the frame 312 in an activeposition wherein it prevents counterclockwise rotation of the crank 273(FIG. 6) and holds the crank in a position such that its stop lug 275prevents lowering of the print head 33 to a position where a printingoperation can be completed.

From the foregoing description, it can been that with the resetsignalling device 300 in its first stable operating condition as shownin FIG. 2, the device gives a positive indication to an operator thatthe printing machine should be reset, with respect to the variable datapresented by the settable type devices comprising the type wheels 63, inaccordance with any new transaction. Consequently, the operator of themachine is clearly informed that a reset operation must be carried outbefore the next imprint can be taken in the machine.

When the operator of the printing machine resets one or more of thesettable type devices comprising the type wheels 63, by manipulation ofthe keys 66, the rest signalling device 300 is actuated to its secondstable operating condition as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, movement ofany one of the racks 151, whether in a forward or backward direction,earns the type set sensing bail 304 downwardly from the positionillustrated in FIG. 2 toward that shown in FIG. 3. The downward movementof the bail 304 pivots the signalling lever 301 in a counterclockwisedirection. The over-center spring 307 completes the counterclockwisemovement of the signalling lever 301 and holds the signalling lever inthe second stable position illustrated in FIG. 3. That is, thesignalling lever 301 is actuated to its second stable position,indicating that a printing operation may proceed, in response todisplacement of the type set sensing element 304 from the initialposition shown in FIG. 2 to the secend position shown in FIG. 3.

The counterclockwise movement of the signalling le-. ver 301 to theposition illustrated in FIG. 3 moves the pin 316 down, pivoting thelever 314 in a clockwise direction against the bias afforded by thespring 317. As a consequence, the stop member 321 is moved downwardlyfrom the active position illustrated in FIG. 2 to an inactive position,shown in FIG. 3, in which the stop member no longer interferes withpivotal movement of the crank 273 (FIG. 6). With the crank 273 free torotate without interference from the stop member 321, and assuming thatthe type wheels 63 can be accurately aligned as is the case in allnormal operations of the machine, there is no further interference withoperation of the imprinting means comprising the print head 33.

The counterclockwise rotation of the signalling lever 301 also moves theprint sensing element 311 upwardly to the position shown in FIG. 3. Theprint sensing element is now restored to its initial position and isready to sense movement of the print head into printing position,indicating that a printing operation is taking place. In the course ofthe actual printing operation, the print sensing element comprising therod 311 is driven downwardly and restores the signalling device 300' toits first stable operating condition by pivoting the signalling 1ever tothe position shown in FIG. 2. When this occurs, the stop member 321cannot rise immediately because the crank 273 is located above the stopmember while the printing operation is carried out. But when theprinting operation is completed, and the print head is raised, the crank273 is automatically restored to the FIG. 6 position by the draw link272, in which it is clear of the path of stop member 321. Thereupon thespring 317 pulls the lever 314 and the stop member 321 back to theinitial upward position shown in FIG. 2, blocking any further printingoperation until the type wheels have been reset.

From the foregoing description, it can be seen that the second lever314, pin 316 and spring 317, form, in effect a delayed action devicewhich allows a restoration signal to be given to the stop member 321 atthe time that the first lever 301 is restored, but such that therestoration will not finally take effect until the print head 33 hasbeen raised. This is necessary to give the actual movement blockingmember, namely crank 273, an opportunity to be restored to its blockingposition, thereby clearing a path for the stop member 321 to move to itsstopping position.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that the resetsignalling device of the present invention is quite simple andinexpensive and does not add materially to the cost of the printingmachine 31. Nevertheless, the device affords a positive signallingaction which, in the present instance, positively interlocks theprinting machine to prevent a second printing operation unless and untilthe variable data imprinting apparatus comprising the type wheels 63 hasbeen reset in accordance with a new transaction, following an initialtransaction. On the other hand, and despite the fact that the resetsignalling device is quite automatic in operation, there is no necessityto return the settable type devices to zero or to any other homeposition. The over-center construction employed for the signallingdevice is particularly advantageous because it is camrned out ofengagement with the setting racks used for the individual type wheels assoon as the operator starts a new setting operation. This materiallyreduces wear upon the indexing elements of the racks and upon thesensing member 304 that engages those indexing elements. 7

In constructing the reset signalling device of the invention, it is notessential to use the particular indexing elements 253 employed in thepreferred embodiment in sensing the reset operation. Thus, in a givenmechanism it might be more convenient to utilize the rack teeth 150 onthe rack members for this purpose, depending upon availability of spacewithin the base of the printing machine and other related factors. Bythe same token, the gear teeth on the individual pinion gears such asgear -5 (FIG. 2) can be employed as the indexing elements in the sensingof the reset operation. It will thus be apparent that the invention canbe readily adapted to other forms of settable type devices as, forexample, type devices in which the type wheel setting racks 151 arereplaced by sector gears and are coupled to the type wheels throughintermediate gear chains. Of course, the teeth on the in termediategears in a device of this kind aflford appropriate indexing elementsthat can be used for sensing reset operation in exactly the same manneras the bail 304 senses that operation in the above described embodiment.

By the same token, the invention is not dependent upon sensing of apivotal motion of the printing head, insofar as the necessity of sensingthe actual printing operation is concerned. The pivotally mounted printhead 33 of the specific printing machine 31 described above afiords aconvenient arrangement for detecting the imprinting motion of theprinting apparatus comprising the platen 86. In a machine of the type inwhich the printing head is 11 fixed and only the platen moves, however,the initial transverse movement of the platen itself can be sensedequally conveniently, resulting in operation no different in substancefrom that described above.

FIG. 7 illustrates a modified and simplified form of the presentinvention in which signalling is elfected on a visual basis rather thanby interlocking the actual printing mechanism. The signalling device300A illustrated therein comprises a signalling lever 301A that isgenerally similar to the lever 301 and that is again pivoted on the sideframe 127 of the machine as indicated by reference numeral 302. Asbefore, the right-hand lever arm 305A carries the print sensing elementor rod 311 that is engaged by the print head 33 of the machine duringeach printing cycle. Moreover, and as before, the right-hand end of thearm 305A of lever 301A is notched and is engaged by the over-centerspring 307.

The left-hand arm 303A of the signalling lever 301A again carries thesensing bail 304 that engages the indexing elements 253 on the typesetting racks 151 of the machine. In this respect, the arm 303A isessentially similar to the arm 303 described above. In this instance,however, the free end of the arm 303A of the signalling lever 301A isprovided with a vertical extension 331 which projects upwardly throughan opening 332 in the top cover 37 of the printing machine to expose aflag 334 to the view of the machine operator.

The reset signalling device 300A is not an interlocking device, as notedabove. Consequently, in this device the stop lever 321 and theassociated actuating lever 314, spring 317 and pin 316 are eliminated.These elements are replaced by the vertical extension 331 and the flag334.

In FIG. 7, the device 300A is illustrated in a first stable conditiongenerally corresponding to the first stable condition of the device 300as illustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, the reset sensing bail 304 is in itsinitial position engaged with the indexing elements 253 of the typesetting racks. The signalling lever 301A is at the clockwise limit ofits rotational movement and is held there in a stable condition by thespring 307. The flag 334 projects upwardly into clear view of themachine operator and informs the operator that the printing machineshould be reset for a new transaction prior to any further printingoperation. As before, the reset signalling device 300A and particularlythe signalling lever 301A are driven to this position as the result of aprior printing operation in which the print sensing element 311 isdriven downwardly to its second position, as illustrated.

When the machine operator. resets any one of the type wheels by'movement of the associated type rack, the sensing bail 304 is drivendownwardly far enough to cause the signalling lever 301A to move to itssecond stable position, the movement being completed by action of theover-center spring 307. That is, actuation of the type set sensingelement 304 from its initial position as shown in FIG. 7 to its secondposition (corresponding to that shown in FIG. 3) pivots the signallinglever 301A in a counterclockwise direction to a second stable position.In the second stable position of the lever 301A, the flag 334 is pulledbeneath the cover of the machine, signalling the machine operator thatthe machine is ready for a printing operation. At the same time, thecounterclockwise rotation of the lever 301A lifts the print sensingelement 311 up to a position to be engaged by the printing head of themachine and thus prepares the device for sensing of the next printingoperation.

It will be recognized that other forms of signalling could also be usedwith the present invention. For example, actuation of the signallinglever from one stable condition to another can be employed to actuateappropriate switches for energizing signal lights to inform the machineoperator whether the printing machine is ready for a printing operationor requires re-setting. Other forms of visual or tactile signals canalso be employed.

Hence, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been describedand illustrated it is to be understood that they are capable ofvariation and modification.

What is claimed is: V

1. In a variable data printing machine of the kind comprising aplurality of individual type devices each settable to a plurality ofdifferent positions to present difierent type characters at a printingposition and each including a plurality of spaced index elements alignedwith similar index elements of the remaining type devices whenever saidtype devices are set for a printing operation, and imprinting meansmovable in a predetermined direction along a predetermined path inassociation with an imprinting operation of the machine to imprint arecording sheet engaging said type characters, a reset signalling devicecomprising:

a print sensing element interposed in said path and displaceable from aninitial position to a second position each time said imprinting meansmoves in said predetermined direction along said path;

a type set sensing element engaging said index elements and displaceablefrom a first position to a second position whenever one of said typedevices is set to a different type setting;

and a bi-stable signalling device, associated with both of said sensingelements, actuatable upon displacement of said print sensing element toits second position to a first stable position indicating that aprinting operation should not proceed without resetting of the typedevices, and actuatable upon displacement of said type set sensingelementto its second position to a second stable position indicatingthat a printing operation may proceed.

2. In a variable data printing machine of the kind comprising aplurality of individual type devices each settable to a plurality ofdiflerent positions to present different type characters at a printingposition and each including a plurality of spaced index elements alignedwith similar index elements of the remaining type devices whenever saidtype devices are set for a printing operation, and imprinting meansmovable in a predetermined direction along a predetermined path'inassociation with an imprinting operation of the machine to imprint arecording sheet engaging said'type characters, a reset signalling devicecomprising:

a print sensing element interposed in said path and displaceable from aninitial position to a second position each time said imprinting meansmoves in said predetermined direction along said path;

a type set sensing element engaging said index elements and displaceablefrom a first position to a second position whenever one of said typedevices is set to a different type setting;

and a bi-stable signalling device, associated with both of said sensingelements, actuatable upon displacement of said print sensing element toits second position to a first stable position restoring the type setsensing element to its initial position and simultaneously indicatingthat a printing operation should not proceed without resetting of thetype devices, 7

and actuatable upon displacement of said type set sensing element to itssecond position to a second stable position restoring said print sensingelement to its initial position and simultaneously indicating that aprinting operation may proceed.

3. In a variable data printing machine of the kind comprising aplurality of individual type devices each settable to a plurality ofdifferent positions to present different type characters at a printingposition and each including a plurality of spaced index elements alignedwith similar index elements of the remaining type devices whenever saidtype devices are set for a printing operation, and imprinting meansmovable in a predetermined direction along a predetermined path inassociation with an imprinting operation of the machine to imprint arecording sheet engaging said type characters, a reset signalling devicecomprising:

a print sensing element interposed in said path and displaceable from aninitial position to a second position each time said imprinting meansmoves in said predetermined direction along said path;

a type set sensing element engaging said index elements and displaceablefrom a first position to a second position whenever one of said typedevices is set to a different type setting;

a two position lever, associated with both of said sensing elements,actuatable upon displacement of said print sensing element to its secondposition to a first position indicating that a printing operation shouldnot proceed without resetting of the type devices and actuatable upondisplacement of said type set sensing element to its second position toa second position indicating that a printing operation may proceed;

and an over-center spring, engaging said lever, for maintaining saidlever in either of its first and second positions until positivelyactuated to the other position.

4. In a variable data printing machine of the kind comprising aplurality of individual type devices each including a type wheelsettable to a plurality of different positions to present different typecharacters at a printing position and each including a setting memberhaving a plurality of spaced index elements aligned with similar indexelements on the setting members of the remaining type devices wheneversaid type devices are set for a printing operation, and imprintingmean-s movable in a predetermined direction along a predetermined pathin association with an imprinting operation of the machine to imprint arecording sheet engaging said type characters, a reset signalling devicecomprising:

a print sensing element interposed in said path and displaceable from aninitial position to a second position each time said imprinting meansmoves in said predetermined direction along said path;

a type set sensing element engaging said index elements of all of saidsetting members and displaceable from a first position to a secondposition whenever one of said setting members is moved to set theassociated type wheel to a different type setting;

a two position lever, connected to both of said sensing elements,actuatable upon displacement of said print sensing element to its secondposition to a first position indicating that a printing operation shouldnot proceed Without resetting of the type devices and actuatable upondisplacement of said type set sensing element to its second position toa second position indicating that a printing operation may proceed; and

over-center spring means, connected to said lever for maintaining saidlever in either of its positions until actuated to the other;

said type set sensing element comprising a bail fixedly mounted on saidlever.

5. In a variable data printing machine of the kind comprising aplurality of individual type devices each settable to a plurality ofdifferent positions to present diiferent type characters at a printingposition and each including a plurality of spaced index elements alignedwith similar index elements of the remaining type devices whenever saidtype devices are set for a printing operation, and imprinting meansmovable in a predetermined direction along a predetermined path inassociation with an imprinting operation of the machine to imprint arecording sheet engaging said type characters, a reset signalling devicecomprising:

a print sensing element interposed in said path and displaceable from aninitial position to a second position each time said imprinting meansmoves in said predetermined direction along said path;

a type set sensing element engaging said index elements and displaceablefrom a first position to a second position whenever one of said typedevices is set to a difierent type setting;

a two position lever connected to both of said sensing elements,actuatable upon displacement of said print sensing element to its secondposition to a first position indicating that a printing operation shouldnot proceed without resetting of the type devices and actuatable upondisplacement of said type set sensing element to its second position toa second position indicating that a printing operation may proceed;

an over-center spring, engaging said lever, for maintaining said leverin either of its first and second positions until positively actuated tothe other position;

and a visual signalling element, connected to said lever anddisplaceable between a visible position and a hidden position inresponse to movement of said lever between its first and secondpositions.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,409,232 10/ 1946 Wesely 101952,482,420 9/1949 Keuper 101-95 2,672,810 3/1954 Keuper 10195 3,138,0916/1964 Maul 101-95 3,279,369 10/ 1966 Wright 101-269 WILLIAM B. PENN,Primary Examiner.

1. IN A VARIABLE DATA PRINTING MACHINE OF THE KIND COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL TYPE DEVICES EACH SETTABLE TO A PLURALITY OF DIFFERENT POSITIONS TO PRESENT DIFFERENT TYPE CHARACTERS AT A PRINTING POSITION AND EACH INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF SPACED INDEX ELEMENTS ALIGNED WITH SIMILAR INDEX ELEMENTS OF THE REMAINING TYPE DEVICES WHENEVER SAID TYPE DEVICES ARE SET FOR A PRINTING OPERATION, AND IMPRINTING MEANS MOVABLE IN A PREDETERMINED DIRECTION ALONG A PREDETERMINED PATH IN ASSOCIATION WITH AN IMPRINTING OPERATION OF THE MACHINE TO IMPRINT A RECORDING SHEET ENGAGING SAID TYPE CHARACTERS, A RESET SIGNALLING DEVICE COMPRISING: A PRINT SENSING ELEMENT INTERPOSED IN SAID PATH AND DISPLACEABLE FROM AN INITIAL POSITION TO A SECOND POSITION EACH TIME SAID IMPRINTING MEANS MOVES IN SAID PREDETERMINED DIRECTION ALONG SAID PATH; A TYPE SET SENSING ELEMENT ENGAGING SAID INDEX ELEMENTS AND DISPLACEABLE FROM A FIRST POSITION TO A SECOND POSITION WHENEVER ONE OF SAID TYPE DEVICES IS SET TO A DIFFERENT TYPE SETTING; AND A BI-STABLE SIGNALLING DEVICE, ASSOCIATED WITH BOTH OF SAID SENSING ELEMENTS, ACTUATABLE UPON DISPLACEMENT OF SAID PRINT SENSING ELEMENT TO ITS SECOND POSITION TO A FIRST STABLE POSITION INDICATING THAT A PRINTING OPERATION SHOULD NOT PROCEED WITHOUT RESETTING OF THE TYPE DEVICES, AND ACTUATABLE UPON DISPLACEMENT OF SAID TYPE SET SENSING ELEMENT TO ITS SECOND POSITION TO A SECOND STABLE POSITION INDICATING THAT A PRINTING OPERATION MAY PROCEED. 